Praha 3 is preparing changes to Žižkov Square, wants to involve locals

Prague - The Town Hall of the third municipal district is preparing a project to renovate Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, part of which is in poor condition. It is still unclear when the work will begin and what the new appearance of the square will look like. The Town Hall wants to base the project preparation on public suggestions; so far, it has had two architectural firms develop solution proposals. The representatives of the Town Hall and architects presented the studies today at a meeting with the public.

The upper part of the square, bordered by Ondříčkova and Bořivojova streets, has, according to the mayor of Prague 3, Jiří Ptáček (TOP 09), reached a state of emergency. Therefore, renovations should begin in this part. The rest of the area should follow, but before starting the first phase of work, the municipal district wants to create a comprehensive design for the entire square.

No money has been allocated for reconstruction in this year's budget, and the municipality plans to attempt to secure a grant from the city hall in the future. "We are really at the beginning," said the chair of the Committee for Urban Development of Prague 3, Matěj Michalk Žaloudek (Green Party), adding that the Town Hall wants to be as accommodating as possible to the local residents and their comments.

The previous Town Hall administration commissioned the creation of a study for the square from two architectural studios. They presented their visions today, which differ quite significantly. However, they are connected by the intention to preserve the sports field on the southern side of the square, where a refreshment stand and public toilets should be added.

The team led by architect Zdeněk Sendler came up with a proposal based on the historical urbanism of parks from the early 20th century. In the central part, the design places a lawn area, separated from the southern and northern parts by paved paths. It is meant to serve as a relaxation zone with loungers. Another lawn in the northern part of the area is conceived by the architects as a space for walking dogs. On both the southern and northern sides, trees are to be added to separate the square from the surroundings, especially the traffic-heavy Ondříčkova street.

The Flera landscape architecture studio proposed a compacted surface in the central part of the square instead of lawn, on which a large number of trees are distributed. According to co-author of the study Ferdinand Leffler, the design focuses on young people. Therefore, an outdoor gallery should be created there, where students from the nearby arts and crafts school could exhibit their work. The proposal also includes a water channel, drinking fountains, bike racks, and atypical loungers. According to the design, a new sidewalk should diagonally intersect the square.

The Town Hall of Prague 3 is gradually reconstructing several squares in Žižkov, such as Tachovské, Kostnické, or Komenského. Preparations for the reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square have been ongoing since the turn of the millennium, but so far, no progress has been made.